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how can i tell the condition of golf cart batteries

by Koby Grant Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Symptoms of a failing battery or batteries could include the following:

  • You may notice the range decreasing over time. ...
  • A “Shutter” is when the cart feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake in a rapid staccato. ...
  • On electric golf carts, the cart refusing to move at all on a charged set of batteries could be the controller not engaging when the voltage falls below a preset ...

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Touch the voltmeter's negative probe to the battery's ground or negative terminal. Repeat this step with the positive side. Healthy batteries will indicate about 50 to 52 volts on the voltmeter. Most battery packs hold around 48 volts.

Full Answer

How do you test a golf cart battery?

  • Wear protective eyewear and work in a well-ventilated area when performing this test. ...
  • A hydrometer kind of looks like a turkey baster with a little measuring float in the middle of the tube. ...
  • In a golf cart battery, a hydrometer will measure the charge of the battery by measuring the weight of the water. ...

What is the best battery charger for a golf cart?

PROS:

  • This product is designed in a fully automatic manner so that it can easily charge a golf cart battery.
  • This is great for golf carts – and can be used for many other different batteries, which may be important to some consumers.
  • This charger was designed with reverse polarity protection.
  • There is a power on, power off, and fully charged indication.

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How to properly charge a golf cart battery?

When to Charge Golf Cart Batteries:

  1. Charge your golf cart batteries before they get empty.
  2. The cart batteries could get damage permanently if you left them without any charge for a few weeks or a month; because of the self-discharge ability of the cart ...
  3. You should keep charging the batteries even when the golf cart is in rest. ...

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How do you fill the battery in a golf cart?

Step-by-step Guide

  • Step 1. – Insert pump into jug of distilled water! ...
  • Step 3. – Once hand pump bulb is primed remove the dust cover from the end of the fill line on your battery watering system.
  • Step 4. – Squeezing the golf cart battery watering system hand pump with firm steady pressure to pump water into the battery cells.
  • Step 5. ...
  • Step 6. ...

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How can I tell if my golf cart batteries are good?

Here are six signs to look for when batteries need replacing.Charge Times Are Out of Hand. Just like any rechargeable battery, the repeated cycles of draining and charging your battery can take a toll on it. ... No “Get Up and Go” ... You See Visual Signs. ... Driving Until They Die. ... People Are Always Running The Radio.

How do I know if I need new golf cart batteries?

4 Signs You Need to Replace Your Golf Cart Batteries It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed. ... Your Golf Cart loses power very quickly. ... Your Golf Cart does not accelerate as fast as it used to. ... The batteries are leaking acid and are beginning to bulge.

Can you revive golf cart batteries?

Can you refurbish Golf cart batteries? Yes, it is reasonably possible to recondition your golf cart batteries. But, there will be a condition for that. If the battery is not fully dead and you can charge it up to a certain extent, it will be possible to refurbish it.

What is the average life of golf cart batteries?

about 6-10 yearsThat all being said, properly maintained battery packs in fleet carts tend to last about 4-6 years while private owners tend to get about 6-10 years out of their battery packs. Other major factors include the type of options on the cart that may increase the draw from the battery pack.

How often should you replace your golf cart batteries?

Properly maintained golf cart batteries will last on average about 6-10 years for private owners. For properly maintained fleet golf cart batteries that get used for 2-3 rounds of golf everyday, you can expect them to last 4-6 years. Fleet golf carts are generally used for golf courses or in maintenance facilities.

Is it OK to just replace one golf cart battery?

Let's discuss in detail. When it comes to changing the golf cart batteries, technically, you can change just one at a time. However, this is not advisable as it can cause permanent damage to each battery. When a battery has gone bad, you should change all of the batteries.

How do you recondition a dead golf cart battery?

Step 1: Tip the battery on its edge: Allow approximately half the battery acid to run out of each cell and into a plastic container. ... Step 2: Mix 8 ounces of Epsom salts into 2 quarts of warm distilled water: Stir thoroughly. ... Step 3: Put the battery or batteries on a charger.

How do you charge a completely dead golf cart battery?

3:335:42How to Charge Dead Golf Cart Batteries Manually - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe recommend starting by charging each battery for 5 to 10 minutes at a time and then moving on toMoreWe recommend starting by charging each battery for 5 to 10 minutes at a time and then moving on to the next. One.

Does aspirin help golf cart batteries?

Be warned that adding aspirin will shorten the battery life, as the aspirin will react with the sulfuric acid to form acetic acid. Good for a boost, but bad for the innards of the battery.

How much does it cost to replace golf cart batteries?

Average Price of Golf Cart Batteries The average price of a golf cart battery replacement is going to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. Depending on the type of battery, it could even be in the $2,000 ballpark because powerful golf carts like a 72V need more expensive batteries installed.

Should I leave my golf cart plugged in all the time?

Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.

Should I charge my golf cart after every use?

Should you charge new golf cart batteries? Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

At the very least, your golf cart battery should easily last you for 18 holes. Most batteries last even longer than this, with some lasting for as long as 36 holes, and more.

Can you abandon a golf cart battery?

Pushing it all the way to the parking lot wouldn’t really be an option, and you can’t just abandon it – so you’d have to arrange for it to be towed. This would be annoying, expensive, and, let’s face it, embarrassing.

Can a golf cart battery go bad?

When not in use, golf cart batteries will naturally discharge – slowly. If a battery is going bad, then this may start to happen faster than it should. This would create problems when, say, you leave your cart unplugged overnight, and then come to use it in the morning, only to find that the battery has fully discharged.

Do deep cycle batteries charge?

Deep-cycle batteries are designed to go through regular cycles of discharging and charging. For the most part, the amount of time it takes to fully charge your batteries will be consistent, assuming that you always use the same charger. Over time, however, the constant charging will inevitably take its toll on the chemical processes of the batteries, causing them to charge up slower than before.

What does voltage mean in battery?

Basically, the voltage specifies the power generating house of a battery. The more voltage power you choose, the more chance of getting a long time backup. Not sure whether it will work seamlessly all time.

How many miles should a 36 volt battery have?

The first and this point is the initial symptom of dying batteries. 36 capable batteries should have at least 30 miles passing capacity.

How long does it take for a battery to charge?

Depending on the battery capacity, it requires charging time slightly more or less., Generally, it should not want more than 7 hours for charging. Doesn’t matter if you use batteries for a long time. Its charging time should not exceed 7 hours.

Can you disconnect a charger when it is not full?

We often disconnect our charger while the charge is not full. This is not fair as your battery must be fully charged. Full charging allows you to use the cart for extra time. Therefore, make sure you charged it 100%.

How to tell if golf cart battery is bad?

1. Charging Issues. First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out.

How to check if golf cart is charging?

First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out. Plug it back into the charger and follow the instructions. Just in case the charger is the issue, check that the battery charger is turned on. There should be an indicator light to show that it is charging the batteries. In the morning, disconnect ...

What hole does a golf cart stop dead?

It’s a real hassle if your golf cart stops dead and you’re only at the 15 th hole of play. Not only is this an embarrassing event, but it’s a major pain to have to arrange for the cart to be towed back to the parking lot.

Why won't my cart fire up?

But more often than not, your cart suddenly refused to fire up and go due to a dead or bad battery.

Can you top up golf cart batteries?

Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries. If this is the case, you will notice how several individual batteries have been “daisy-chained” together to form one large battery. 4.

Can you top up a golf cart battery with distilled water?

You need to leave enough room for expansion, so the acid should only be filled to just above the lead cells inside. Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries.

Do golf cart batteries last forever?

Golf cart batteries won’t last forever. In fact, each year they age a little bit closer towards their final use. If your battery is close to its warranty end date you may want to consider simply making the upgrade now.

How to tell if golf cart battery is bad?

Signs That Your Golf Cart Battery Is Going Bad. Sometimes, batteries can fail completely out of the blue. But more often than not, a battery will exhibit warning signs that it may be approaching failure. These tend to develop slowly, over time. And if you catch them early, you can easily prevent the damage from becoming too great.

How to tell if a battery is bad?

Visible Wear and Tear. More often than not, the signs of a failing battery walk hand-in-hand with visible evidence of wear and tear. Upon a simple inspection of your battery, you could quickly determine whether or not there is a problem. First, you should check to see if the battery has bulged and bulked up.

How does a load tester work?

You will be able to see the voltage of your battery as it is put under a load. It works by generating heat through the resistance of electrical current.

How many points should a battery read?

Take a reading of each cell, and adjust the reading to the temperature as necessary. Compare the readings of each cell. A healthy, fully charged battery should read between 12.60 to 12.74. Each of your readings should be within 50 points (0.050) of each other.

How to tell if battery is deteriorating?

One of the most obvious signs of a battery deteriorating is when its charge depletes faster than normal. This could be either when you are using it, or when it is parked away for the night.

What test is used to test a battery?

Hydrometer Test. If the voltmeter has shown that your batteries are fine in terms of voltage, then that’s great! Now we need to test the chemistry of your batteries. A hydrometer test will provide a more accurate means of testing the condition of your battery. To conduct this test, you’ll need:

Is it a good idea to test a battery?

If your battery is showing signs that it might be on the way out, then it’s a good idea to test it, so that you can know for sure. Even if your battery isn’t suffering from any obvious symptoms, it is still worth testing it in order to determine its health and performance.

Why is my golf cart battery undercharging?

Undercharging: Undercharging caused by using a cheap golf cart battery charging system ( One that does not apply enough amperage in the charging cycle) can cause lead sulfate to gradually build up and crystallize on the plates greatly reducing the. battery’s capacity and ability to be recharged.

What is the specific gravity of a battery?

If the specific gravity measures between 1.100 and 1.220, the battery must be. recharged. If the specific gravity is between 1.225 and 1.265, the battery is ok to test. If the hydrometer has a temperature correction chart, be sure to adjust the reading for the battery’s temperature.

How to tell if a golf cart battery is 6 volts?

A 6 volt golf cart battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 3 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. Generally speaking, a single 6 volt battery will have the highest amperage capacity and will allow for the greatest range in an 8-6 volt battery system.

How to tell 12 volt golf cart battery?

A 12 volt battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 6 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. A single 12 volt golf cart battery will have the least amperage capacity and is commonly used in 72 volt battery systems which are not terribly common among golf carts. EZGO golf cart batteries are known to be use 4-12 volt battery systems in some of their golf cart models.

What is the controller in a car?

A controller determines how much amperage is delivered from the batteries to the controller. Voltage is great to know, however the true knowledge lies with the total amperage in a battery pack. To get a better idea of what amperage is like in a car, let us discuss the relationship between Horsepower and MPG.

How does amperage affect golf carts?

It will determine how far you can travel on a single charge in an electric golf cart. The more amperage in a battery pack, the further you can drive before having to charge.

What to do when buying an electric golf cart?

If you are in the market to purchase an electric golf cart, then the simplest thing to do first and foremost is considering the age of your golf cart batteries. This is important due to many consumers being misled as to the age of the batteries in the cart they are purchasing. At times, a consumer will be told by a private party or dealer ...

How many cycles does a lithium battery last?

Also, some lithium batteries carry a lifetime warranty and can deliver up to 5000 cycles versus the typical 100-500 cycles for a lead acid battery. Even with a 500-cycle lead acid battery cart, that means replacing the power source 10 times more than the lithium-ion model.

What kind of batteries are used in golf carts?

While the aim of this article is to discuss primarily deep cycle batteries used in golf carts, some people are interested about learning the other types of batteries being used in Golf Cars. We have an article for you that discusses differing battery types in detail specifically for you.

How many volts does a golf cart battery have?

Now, just because a battery pack displays 48 volts or more after a full charge does not mean they’re good. The real test would be to test them after they have been used for a few miles. The reason is that a deep cycle golf cart battery will not exhibit signs of needing replacement until after they are fully discharged.

Why is my electric golf cart not going fast?

3) Your Golf Cart does not accelerate as fast as it used to. Electric Golf Carts are known for being fast and having acceleration power. However, the day you start to feel your electric golf cart being slower to reach top speed is typically a sign of your batteries needing to be replaced. Also, another sign may be that it has trouble climbing hills ...

How many volts does a battery pack have?

Typically, a charged battery pack will have 2-3 volts higher on a charger than its rated voltage. For example, a 48 volt system will have 51 to 52 volts after a full charge. We can test this by using a Volt Meter. Now, just because a battery pack displays 48 volts or more after a full charge does not mean they’re good.

How far can a golf cart go on a single charge?

Most Golf Carts can travel at least 7 miles or more on a single charge. However, if you are used to playing golf with no battery charge issues, but then one day you start to notice you can barely finish nine holes without having to limp home, then this could very easily be a sign of weak batteries.

What happens if a battery goes bad?

Batteries that are going bad will expand and have bulges on the battery cases themselves. Also, batteries will be prone to leaking acid out of the case when they are on their last leg.

Do batteries hold a charge?

As the batteries age, they will not hold a charge as well as they used to. Unfortunately the charger will not know that, so the charger will continue to charge the batteries thinking they will eventually get to a full charge which means it will take longer to charge the batteries than normal.

Can batteries leak acid?

Also, batteries will be prone to leaking acid out of the case when they are on their last leg. RELATED: Symptoms of a Bad Solenoid on a Golf Cart.

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